12 Ways to Use the Mutual Theme

Charlotte LarcabalChurch Magazines

Ideas, music, and printouts to help you implement the 2017 Mutual theme.

You probably know what the 2017 Mutual theme is.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5–6).

But maybe you don’t know what the Mutual theme actually is. As in what is its purpose? Why do we have it?

Basically, the purpose of the Mutual theme is to give youth all over the world the chance to study, learn about, understand, and live the principles taught in the theme scripture.

What principles are taught in James 1:5–6? Look at the first line: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” That teaches us that anyone, no matter who you are or where you are on the path, can and should turn to God with their questions. When we lack wisdom, God should be the first place we turn!

What other principles do you see? Share them with other youth in your comments below.

A year is a long time! So how can youth and leaders actually use the Mutual theme all year long?

Here are some ideas.

Have a fireside or bishop’s youth discussion to kick off the year. Discuss the theme scripture and how you will use it and apply the principles.

Use it as the theme for your camps and other activities. There are even designs for T-shirts you can use!

Find examples in the scriptures of how people asked of God in faith. What happened? Teach a family home evening lesson about it.

Learn a new song on the piano. You can download the sheet music to “Ask of God” on the theme page.

Think about the theme scripture when you plan lessons using Come, Follow Me. For example, January’s topic is the Godhead. You could use the theme scripture to talk about how Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost all play a part in answering our questions.

Download and print a poster from the theme page to keep in the classroom.

Watch for the animated videos starring the characters shown on the posters. New stories featuring these characters will be released throughout the year.